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Neurofeedback

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Neurofeedback for Northern Colorado

Neurofeedback, also called EEG biofeedback, neurotherapy, or neurobiofeedback is a form of biofeedback that utilizes sophisticated computer equipment to measure brainwave activity while training the person to self-regulate their own brain activity to improve brain function. This is an evidence-based therapy rooted in neuroscience, and it has been shown to be an effective, painless, non-invasive treatment for neurological and mental health conditions over a series of sessions which are supervised here in our office by a BCIA-EEG certified doctor. 

Additionally, we are the first clinic in Northern Colorado to offer home-based neurofeedback sessions. We provide an extensive coaching process to ensure effective training at home or in-office.

What conditions does Neurofeedback treat?

At the Wholeness Center, our doctors offer neurofeedback and EEG Biofeedback to treat:

  • Epilepsy
  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Attention and focus concerns
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • OCD
  • PTSD
  • Sleep issues
  • Tourrette’s syndrome
  • Learning disorders
  • Stroke
  • Addictions
  • Cerebral palsy 
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Headaches and Migraines
  • Anger Issues
  • Behavioral Issues

Neurofeedback can also be used for peak performance training for athletes.

How does it work?

Each highly personalized therapy session is guided by QEEG or Brain Mapping. This activity from the brain is then fed to a computer that converts this information into a game-like or video display that is controlled by the person’s brainwave activity. Over time, this training, much like exercise, produces lasting positive results in the symptoms that are controlled by brain waves such as learning, language, social interaction, emotional regulation, and focus to name a few.

During sessions, you are trained to improve your brain function through self-regulation, and rewarded with different forms of feedback including movies, video games, or your favorite music.People typically report improvements in as few as 10 sessions.

What does a neurofeedback session look like?

During neurofeedback, sensors are placed on the trainee’s scalp in order to measure brainwave activity. This activity is presented to the trainee who will then try to change the activity level. The trainee will attempt to increase certain frequencies, while decreasing other frequencies. Over time, the brainwave activity is reshaped to a more desirable state. The frequencies that are trained are specific to each individual based on the information collected by the QEEG assessment. In our experience, the patient can sense improvement within 10 sessions, and standardized testing using baseline QEEG measurements can substantiate those claims.

Call to Schedule your Brain Map to get Started with Neurofeedback Today

Neurofeedback: A Sample Session

What is Neurofeedback Video

Neurofeedback Success Stories

“We spent thousands of dollars and seven years trying to get answers for our 10-year old son’s aggressive and defiant behaviors.  We were given professional diagnoses that ranged from “there’s nothing wrong”, to Oppositional Defiance Disorder, and finally Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).   We have tried individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and medications.  Nothing kept him from exhibiting extreme aggression (such as hitting, kicking, biting, and destroying property) on as many as 23 days each month.

I heard about neurofeedback from a friend.  I talked to our son’s therapist about it and she recommended the Wholeness Center so that we would have a doctor overseeing the treatments.  Having a QEEG of our son’s brain provided us with confidence that the diagnosis of ADHD was correct.  Our son completed 40 sessions of neurofeedback.  Two months after completing the treatment, the results are still remarkable.  We were able to reduce the dosage of medication that our son takes, he is generally aggressive no more than 3 times in a month, and any aggression shown now is much less extreme than it was before.

Our son says neurofeedback was “awesome and painless”.    He feels more in control of his temper and it has raised his self-esteem.   Dr. Steve Rondeau and the staff were very helpful and answered all of our questions.   I wish we had known about this type of treatment years ago!”  Claire F

“Neurofeedback really changed my life.  I did the home unit and loved the flexibility of when I could train. My sleep has been so much better since starting neurofeedback. After years of trying medications, supplements and sleep routines, neurofeedback is what ultimately really changed my ability to sleep better.  Thank you, Dr. Steve and crew!”  Nicole B

“I was in a car accident and had a head injury.  I was struggling to do everything.  Neurofeedback helped me gain my function back.  After training I was able to focus and complete things I started.  I had less anxiety and was able to sleep again. This therapy was a big part of my healing”  Daniel C

Heart Rate Variability

HRV training, also known as Heart Rate Variability training, is a technique that focuses on improving the balance and variability of the intervals between consecutive heartbeats. HRV training involves using specific breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, and mindfulness practices to enhance the body’s ability to modulate heart rate variability. By consciously regulating breathing patterns and promoting relaxation, individuals can positively impact their autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate. The training involves a heart rate monitor to measure and monitor heart rate variability which provide real-time feedback on the individual’s heart rate and variability, allowing them to adjust their breathing and relaxation techniques accordingly.

Neuro-Coaching Program

Our Neurocoaching program offers a unique approach to developing new lifestyle habits that align with your specific brainwave patterns. It’s created to challenge your current lifestyle, encourage new healthy habits, and create a new environment for you to thrive in. The program includes meditations, journal prompts, weekly challenges and environment changes to achieve a more balanced, focused, and peaceful you over 6 consecutive weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions about Neurofeedback

What is Neurofeedback? 

Neurofeedback, also referred to as EEG Biofeedback or Neurotherapy, is a state-of-the-art, therapeutic training tool that can be used to improve a variety of health conditions or increase personal potential. 

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is used to monitor brain wave activity and “feedback” information to the brain about its activity. A Neurofeedback therapist provides the necessary instruction and interpretation to encourage the brain to function within a more appropriate pattern level. This involves increasing or decreasing certain brain wave frequency activities at certain locations. In effect, the brain learns to function with greater control and stability through self-regulation. 

How does it work? 

Sensors are applied to specific areas on the scalp and ears based on an individuals QEEG patterns using a special conductive paste. These sensors record and measures brain wave activity being used to perform a particular task. These frequencies are divided into bands that are displayed on a computer screen, which appear to the trainee in the form of an age appropriate video, video display or game. 

During neurofeedback, the trainee effectively manipulates the video display using his/her brain to reach the mental state in which the desired brain wave is achieved. When the desired brain wave is reached, the brain is “rewarded” and learns to direct itself toward a more desirable performance level. The brain wave frequencies targeted are specific to each individual. There are no medications. The procedure is completely painless and non-invasive. 

How might i feel afterwards? 

Some people report feeling tired after sessions while others have said they feel immediately energized and focused. 

When I am training in my sessions, what do I do? 

During neurofeedback, trainees are often successful when they are in a relaxed and focused state. It may take some trial and error on the part of the trainee in order to figure out what they are doing, but with some coaching from the therapist almost anyone can be successful at training. Often people find that they do best when they focus intently and stay relaxed. 

What should I expect? 

Some patients report improvements in symptoms in as few as 3-5 sessions. For others, changes are noted after completing 10-20 sessions. Most published data suggests long term permanent changes are achieved after 40-50 sessions total. 

What does neurofeedback do? 

During neurofeedback, sensors are placed on the trainee’s scalp in order to measure brainwave activity. This activity is presented to the trainee who will then try to change the activity level. The trainee will try to increase certain frequencies, while decreasing other frequencies. Over time, the brainwave activity is shaped toward a more desirable state. The frequencies that are trained are specific to each individual based on the information collected by the QEEG assessment. Changes can be measured with subjective changes by the individual, and also with changes in baseline QEEG measures and standardized testing. 

Are there web sites for additional information? 

You can find a comprehensive list of neurofeedback research articles here: http://www.isnr.net/resources/comprehensive-bibliography.cfm